Patterson said he’s been impressed with the dedication of the runners, who show up to as many practices as they can, in any weather. During practice they run a 5K in sections, with other physical training in between.

“It’s all about their own times and their own improvements,” he said, “and these kids are smiling.”

He launched the program to create an outlet in which any child can participate, after one of his sons didn’t make a school team and had no other activities.

“So I thought I’m going to get a program going,” he said. “Send your kids here if they’ve got nothing to do. They can run with me.”